Romania issues first red heat alert of summer as temperatures set to approach 40°C
A severe heatwave pushing in from Western Europe has triggered Romania's first top-tier red warning of the year. The national weather service forecasts maximums of up to 40°C in northwestern counties, with tropical nights and intense thermal discomfort across much of the country.
Heatwave spreads across Romania
A mass of hot air from Western Europe has reached Romania, pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms. The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has updated its alerts, warning that the heatwave will expand and intensify over the weekend and persist into early July.
The heatwave will extend and intensify in the west, northwest and centre of the country, and from Sunday in the rest of the regions.
Friday and Saturday: yellow and orange codes take effect
On Friday, a yellow code covers Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, Moldova, southern Banat and parts of Transylvania, with highs between 30 and 34°C. An orange warning is in force for Crișana, Maramureș, northern Banat and northern, western and central Transylvania, where maxima reach 33–37°C. By Saturday, the orange zone broadens across Banat, Crișana, Maramureș and all of Transylvania, with temperatures climbing to 38–39°C in Câmpia de Vest. Yellow alerts remain for the south and east.
Sunday brings the first red code of the summer
The heatwave peaks on Sunday when a red warning – the highest level – is activated for 16 counties in Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania and northern Moldova. Maxima are forecast at 35–38°C, reaching 39–40°C in Maramureș, Crișana and northwestern Transylvania.
Maximum temperatures will be comparable to the absolute records for the month of June.
Tropical nights will see minima of 17–25°C, while the temperature-humidity index (ITU) will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units.
- Yellow code for Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, Moldova, south Banat, south/east Transylvania (30–34°C). Orange code for Crișana, Maramureș, north Banat, north/west/center Transylvania (33–37°C).
- Yellow continues in Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, Moldova (30–34°C). Orange expands to Banat, Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania (up to 38–39°C in Câmpia de Vest).
- Red code for 16 counties in Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania, north Moldova (39–40°C). Orange for Banat, Oltenia, Muntenia, Moldova. Yellow for Dobrogea, SE Muntenia.
Advice for the public
Authorities urge residents to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated and follow official guidance during the severe heat. The ANM expects the intense heat to hold into the first days of July.
